The Barn – A Guest House

Perched within the rolling landscapes of the Brisbane Hinterland, The Barn – The Guest House redefines the idea of a weekend retreat. Designed by Mark Gacesa of ULTRASPACE, this ambitious project transforms a humble cottage into an expansive and luxurious guest house—an architectural statement that balances industrial ruggedness with warm, contemporary sophistication.

From Cottage to Contemporary Masterpiece

Commissioned as part of a larger hinterland estate, the guest house was conceived as a companion to the main residence—a space designed for hosting family and friends, while capturing the sweeping acreage, open skies, and pastoral beauty of the setting. The transformation was nothing short of extraordinary.

The result is a multi-level architectural experience anchored by a master living floor that features a 5.2-metre kitchen island, fully integrated appliances, and a dramatic illuminated whiskey wall. Beyond the kitchen, the layout unfolds into a series of spatial moments—each one connecting seamlessly to the surrounding decks, gardens, and views.

With five ensuited guest suites, two bunk rooms, a commercial-grade laundry, and multiple kitchens and lounges, the design supports both intimate gatherings and large-scale entertaining. Unique features like a three-storey glass lift, an illuminated slide that wraps around it, and an enclosable entertaining pavilion blur the boundaries between architecture and experience, function and delight.

The Power of Corian® in Design

Central to the project’s material palette is Corian®, used extensively throughout in Carbon Concrete and Platinum finishes. For Gacesa, the decision to work with Corian® was deliberate and creative.

“This design was to be a fun, ranch-style, industrial theme,” he explains. “It needed to portray a seamless, masculine concrete finish throughout—and Corian® Carbon Concrete was perfect to integrate across the many other finishes. Corian® allowed me to combine thick, bold surfaces with gentle sweeping curves and radiuses that are very difficult, or impossible, with stone.”

The use of Corian® brings a consistent, sculptural strength to the interiors, from the main kitchen tops and custom sinks to the outdoor BBQ stations and firepit coffee tables. Its versatility allows each surface to feel substantial yet fluid—perfectly suited to the project’s bold geometry and refined detailing.

Crafted Continuity: From Kitchens to Basins

Among the many standout elements are the custom ‘UltraPop’ semi-recessed basins—signature ULTRASPACE designs that merge basin and benchtop into one seamless form. The result is both sculptural and space-efficient, transforming a functional piece into an artistic focal point.

“Every detail of this project is a design statement,” says Gacesa. “The Corian® UltraPop basins are a perfect example—each one melds form and function in a way that adds subtle drama and creates a continuous surface experience.”

This meticulous approach continues through the auxiliary kitchen, outdoor twin-BBQ area, and firepit coffee tables, all crafted from Corian® for both visual unity and long-term durability. Indoors and out, the surfaces tie the architecture together—modern, tactile, and effortlessly seamless.

A Masterclass in Modern Rural Luxury

The Barn – The Guest House is more than a renovation; it’s a complete reimagining of rural hospitality. With its industrial-luxe aesthetic, bold forms, and careful use of materials, the project captures the spirit of the hinterland while elevating it through contemporary design.

From the illuminated whiskey wall to the panoramic decks, every element reinforces ULTRASPACE’s commitment to cohesive storytelling through space. It’s a place that invites comfort and conversation—where design and landscape coexist beautifully.

The response from the client has been nothing short of ecstatic.

“We have exceeded expectations,” says Gacesa. “Our client, their family, and guests are thrilled, awestruck, and absolutely in love with how everything has come together. It was a terrific experience.”